A Message from the New General Manager Regarding Our First Newsletter

Hello everyone and welcome to the first official Asheville FM newsletter!

As the new general manager, I wanted to thank the Asheville FM community–volunteers and listeners – for welcoming me. As someone who has been involved in public and community broadcasting for over a decade. I’m excited to add my voice to yours in keeping this independent station at home in Asheville, and streaming across the world. It’s more important now than ever before!

When I listened to Asheville FM during inauguration week, it was clear to see that our volunteers who run the shows demonstrated great passion, thoughtfulness, and creativity to educate, inform, and inspire our listeners. I hope you’ll agree: We have a real gem in Asheville FM.

We also have a lot of momentum in 2017. News and talk shows keep you informed about events happening locally, nationally, and internationally, and DJs introduce you to new tunes and artists you may not hear on the radio anywhere else. Our board of directors has grown and added diverse voices. And we have taken over the other half of our building on Haywood Road, which will allow us to create new studios and a meeting space, and even make room for live performances.

Change is exciting, but it also requires more funding. Our community-run programming, events, music, commentary, and news are all done for free by our team. Everything else—rent, utilities, song royalties, staff costs—has to be paid for. To help us with that, please consider making a tax-deductible donation today, or donate your time by becoming a volunteer. Volunteers set their own hours and have a choice of nine different departments to focus on. We usually host a new volunteer orientation session once a month at our studio. Contact Clark for more info by emailing clark@ashevillefm.org.

If you are a local business owner, we hope you will join the growing number of likeminded businesses that support our efforts by becoming an underwriter of the station. In exchange for funding, we will create announcements about your business or organization. Everyone listening will know you support us and, in return, our listeners will support you! For more information, email Ben at underwriting@ashevillefm.org.

When I lived in the Asheville area, I bought a house because I loved it here, and always knew I’d return. Now, years later, I am thrilled to be back and am excited to help support our community. Asheville FM provides a radio community for all. Our region is a unique place to live, work, and explore. It is filled with diverse individuals and organizations passionately committed to the community. I am proud to support their efforts.